West Ham consider bid for Italian star

The Italian forward has scored 19 goals in 57 appearances for the Azzurri national team, and has enjoyed a relatively potent career at club level, scoring almost 200 goals in just over 500 games for seven different clubs.

On the contrary, the Hammers have suffered a disappointing spell in front of goal this year, so far only managing a total of 22 – the same amount as leading Premier League goalscorer Luis Suarez.

Additions

Irons boss Sam Allardyce has been searching for additions to his injury stricken squad since the window began, but has had little success so far, with Lacina Traore the latest to turn down a move to Upton Park, following the rejections of Jonny Heitinga and Nikica Jelavic.

And now the newspaper reports that Allardyce has turned his attention to Gilardino, who is believed to be valued at around £5million by his current club, Genoa.

It’s expected by the paper that rather than moving for a permanent deal immediately, West Ham will move on the basis of a loan with a view to buy, preventing the possibility of being hampered with a financial burden should they end up relegated.

While he has managed many impressive accolades during his career, a lot of fans will remember Gilardino for his rather pathetic dive for Milan against Celtic in a UEFA Champions League match back in 2007.

Rumours have claimed that Allardyce has looked at the possibility of signing Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, however he recently admitted, as reported by the newspaper: “I don’t think there’s any chance we’ll get someone of his quality.”